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HelpTest Code SCOF3 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) and Influenza Virus Type A and Type B RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Specimen Required
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab
Container/Tube: Sterile container with viral transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen with a minimum of 1.5 mL (maximum 3 mL) of transport media.
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4 or M5), saline, or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC).
Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Additional Information: Do not aliquot into viral transport media.
Acceptable:
Specimen Types: Oropharyngeal (throat) swab, nasal mid-turbinate, or nares/nasal swab
Supplies:
-Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: BBL Culture Swab, COPAN Mid-turbinate Swab
Acceptable: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle
Submission Container/Tube: Sterile container with transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen with a minimum of 1.5 mL (maximum 3 mL) of transport media.
Collection Instructions: Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4, or M5), saline, or PBS. Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC).
Specimen Types: Bronchial washings, endotracheal aspirate, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Additional Information: Do not aliquot into viral transport media.
Useful For
Simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 (cause of COVID-19), influenza A virus, and influenza B virus in upper or lower respiratory tract specimens from individuals with flu-like illnesses
Testing Algorithm
For information see Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Testing Algorithm.
Method Name
Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR)
Reporting Name
SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A/B PCR, VSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Upper respiratory tract swab: See Specimen Required; lower respiratory specimens: 0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reference Values
Undetected
Interpretation
A "Detected" (positive) test result indicates that the patient is presumptively infected with the indicated virus. The test does not indicate the stage of infection. Rarely, more than one virus may be detected from the same patient specimen. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiologic data in making a final diagnosis.
An "Undetected" (negative) test result suggests that the patient is not infected with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus.
An "Inconclusive" result indicates that the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus in the specimen could not be determined with certainty after repeat testing in the laboratory, possibly due to real-time, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction inhibition. Submission of a new specimen for testing is recommended.
Clinical Reference
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information for clinicians on influenza virus testing. CDC; Updated September 24, 2025. Accessed June 15, 2026. Available at www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/index.htm
2. Boerger AC, Binnicker MJ. Comparison of the panther fusion respiratory panels to routine methods for detection of viruses in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2020;97(2):115014
3. Loeffelholz MJ, Tang YW. Laboratory diagnosis of emerging human coronavirus infections-the state of the art. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2020;9(1):747-756. doi:10.1080/22221751.2020.1745095
4. Mohammadi A, Esmaeilzadeh E, Li Y, Bosch RJ, Li JZ. SARS-CoV-2 detection in different respiratory sites: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EBioMedicine. 2020;59:102903. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102903
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Testing for COVID-19. CDC; Updated March 10, 2025. Accessed June 15, 2026. Available at www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html
6. US Food and Drug Administration. FAQs on diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. FDA; Updated November 8, 2023. Accessed June 15, 2026. Available at www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87636
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SCOF3 | SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A/B PCR, V | 95422-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SCOS3 | SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B, Source | 31208-2 |
| 622028 | Influenza A virus PCR | 92142-9 |
| 622029 | Influenza B virus PCR | 92141-1 |
| 622030 | SARS CoV-2 RNA, PCR | 94500-6 |